For most of the early modern period, the Baden lands are divided into two parts, one ruled by the Catholic Margraves of Baden-Baden, and the other by the Protestant Margraves of Baden-Durlach.

During the period of the Reformation, some of the rulers of Baden had remained Catholic and some became Protestants, and the house is similarly divided during the Thirty Years' War.

Baden suffers severely during this struggle, and both branches of the family are exiled in turn.

The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 restores the status quo, and the family rivalry gradually dies out.During the wars of the reign of Louis XIV of France, the margravate is ravaged by French troops, and the towns of Pforzheim, Durlach, and Baden are destroyed.

The margrave of Baden-Baden, Louis William (died 1707), figures prominently among the soldiers who resist the aggressions of France.It is the life's work of Charles Frederick of Baden-Durlach to give territorial unity to his country.

Beginning to reign in 1738 and coming of age in 1746, this prince is the most notable of the rulers of Baden.

He is interested in the development of agriculture and commerce, sought to improve education and the administration of justice, and proved in general a wise and liberal ruler of the Enlightenment.In 1771 Augustus George of Baden-Baden dies without sons, and his territories passed to Charles Frederick, who thus finally becomes ruler of the whole of Baden.